"And here, it talks all about some ageing spells. I could make myself look as old as Gaius if I tried it." Merlin raved on and on as he and Arwen sat together in the physicians' chambers. From the moment Arwen had given him the book she took out of Prairene's guarded library; he hadn't been able to stop exploring all the new magic within it.
"I'm glad you like it, Merlin." Arwen said with a small laugh. She was so happy when they returned to Camelot and the two got a moment of privacy and peace so she could tell him all about going to the castle. And she was pleased that she could share at least a little of that joy with him by giving him his gift.
Their conversation was interrupted soon after as Gaius walked into the physicians' chambers, eyes falling on the two of them and a scolding look appearing in them. "What are you two still doing here just sitting around? We have a knighting ceremony to get to." His reminder had the siblings scampering to their feet. "Come on, come on. We haven't got all night."
With quick steps, the trio rushed through the halls of the palace on their way to the hall of ceremonies. And they arrived just in time for the start of the knighting ceremony. The newest recruits all knelt before the King as Uther bestowed them their official titles.
"You have been accorded a great honour. But with that honour comes great responsibility. From this day forth, you are sworn to live by the knights' code. You have pledged to conduct yourselves with nobility, honour, and respect. Your word is your sacred bond." Uther spoke in an important voice once all of the new knights were allowed to rise back to their feet. "You will find no one who better embodies these values than my son, Arthur. Follow his example, and you will prove yourselves worthy of your title."
Arwen's green eyes turned to the prince standing at his father's side while Uther spoke of his noble values. And as their eyes met, she sent him a small smile, rising her hands to clap in congratulations along with the rest of the gathered crowd. However, as soon as the applause began, it ended just as quickly once the sounds of clashing metal reached from the halls.
Panicked looks began to spread over the crowd as all turned to the source of the noise, watching as a figure clad in armour made his way inside. At the sight of him, all knights drew their swords, Arthur moving to the front as his hand clutched his own while the stranger approached with determined steps.
He didn't speak as he stepped in front of Arthur, didn't say a word. He didn't even pull on his now sheathed weapon. The knight simply pulled off his gauntlet before throwing it at the feet of the prince. The sign which by now, Arwen understood perfectly. He'd issued a challenge. And without hesitation, Arthur leaned down to pick it up. To accept the challenge.
"I accept your challenge." He said in a firm voice, eyes never leaving those of his newest opponent. Arwen and Merlin shared a worried look between themselves, wondering who this newest foe might be. "If I'm to face you in combat, do me the courtesy of revealing your identity."
At his words, the knight finally began to remove his helmet, and much to everyone's surprise, it wasn't the face of a man hidden beneath the metal. Golden locks of hair spilled out in waves and fell down the woman's back while her firm features turned to Arthur again, brown eyes focused on the prince and the prince alone.
"My name is Morgause."
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